Rudo Mawere's body was found stuffed in a travel bag on Blackhorse Avenue in January. She was fully clothed with a plastic bag over her head.

"Rudo's untimely and tragic death shocked and saddened us all, and I wanted to take time during my visit in Malawi to personally convey that sympathy and support to the Mawere family," said Mr Costello.

The 26-year-old student, who lived in Rathmines, had been in Ireland for two years when she was murdered.

Ms Mawere was studying for a Diploma in Human Resources at the Business and Computer Training Institute at Parnell Square in Dublin.

She also worked as a part-time cleaner at a hospital in Dublin.

Jasper Taruvinga, the main suspect for her murder, was found dead in the UK a week later.

Gardai had searched the Zimbabwean national's flat on Aughrim Street shortly after Ms Mawere's body was discovered, but he had fled the country.

They were later informed by English police that he had died in Higham in Kent.

Dublin Central TD Mr Costello will give his condolences to Ms Mawere's relatives during a four-day trip to Malawi, where he also hopes to see the impact of Ireland's aid programme.

He will meet communities and politicians, and will discuss how Irish aid is helping to tackle hunger, HIV and Aids and improve agriculture.

"One in two people in Malawi lives below the poverty line, with most of the population relying on farming to make a living," Mr Costello went on.

"The Irish Aid programme in Malawi is clearly focused on supporting small-holder farmers to improve yields and increase their incomes."